Rotatable optical device housing and mounting platform

ABSTRACT

A rotatable optical device housing and mounting platform is disclosed. The optical device housing includes a bezel, front housing and rear housing. The optical device housing can include a number of lighting devices, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, halogen lights, incandescent lights, or imaging devices, such as cameras, while utilizing the same bezel, front housing and rear housing. The depicted device can include a vertical tilt, which is adjustable either manually or electronically. A slip ring system provides continuous 360° rotation ability, with controllable and adjustable speed settings. Alternatively, a stop can be used instead of the slip ring, wherein the stop serves as a point of reversal of the unit&#39;s rotation. The unit contains an optional home position, allowing a user to select a point in the horizontal rotation to which the unit will return at the touch of a button.

CROSS REFERENCE APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefitof provisional application no. 61/532,494 filed Sep. 8, 2011, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

Rotatable lights, pan and tilt assemblies, and mounting systems areknown in the art. Existing systems are limited, however, to single-useapplications. Stated differently, each housing could only accommodate asingle device, such as a light or camera.

Interchangeability of these devices is not possible in prior artsystems. Further, continuous horizontal rotation is not provided, nordoes a user have the ability to select the speed at which horizontalrotation occurs. Units which provide vertical tilt and rotation do notallow manual manipulation to adjust the vertical angle or rotate theunit without causing potential harm to the unit and its drive systems.

The foregoing example of the related art and limitations relatedtherewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tool and methods which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. Invarious embodiments, one or more of the above described problems havebeen reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed toother improvements.

The disclosed device is designed to accommodate a number of systems.Selected systems can include light-emitting diodes (LEDs),high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, halogen lights, cameras or infrared or heat sensitive devices. Optionally, a powered vertical tilt maybe included which can be manually adjusted without harm to the unit. Inone embodiment, a continuous 360° rotation ability is provided.Alternatively, a limited stop to stop capability may be provided. A userhas the ability to select a speed for the rotation, in addition toselecting a home position, to which the unit will return at the touch ofa button.

The disclosed device has a simple and weather proof design, which allowsfor easy assembly and maintenance. A device according to the presentdisclosure provides improved durability and weather resistance.

A rotatable mounting system is disclosed. The mounting system comprisesa base gasket, a base plate mounted on said base gasket, a base mountedon said base plate, a bearing rotatably mounted on said base, a loweryoke mounted over said bearing, a horizontal gear rotatably mounted tosaid lower yoke, an upper yoke mounted over said horizontal gear. Theupper yoke comprises a first arm and a second arm. The first armcomprises a horizontal motor. The second arm comprises a vertical tiltmotor. An optical device housing means is also disclosed. The housingmeans is pivotally connected to the first arm and the second arm. Meansfor the horizontal motor to turn said horizontal gear and means for thevertical motor to tilt the housing means vertically are also disclosed.

The optical device housing means comprises a rear housing, a fronthousing, a bezel and an optical device mounted in said optical devicehousing. The optical device may comprise a heat sink, a length ofprinted circuit board mounted to said heat sink, at least onelight-emitting diode mounted to said printed circuit board, a lensmounted over said printed circuit board, wherein the bezel connects thelens and the heat sink to the front housing. In another embodiment, theoptical device comprises a halogen lamp gasket, a halogen lamp, whereinthe bezel connects halogen lamp to the front housing. In a secondalternate embodiment, the optical device comprises a high-intensitydischarge lamp, a ballast powering said high-intensity discharge lampand the bezel connects the high-intensity discharge lamp to the fronthousing. In a third alternative embodiment, the optical device comprisesa night vision infrared camera, a bracket supporting the night visioninfrared camera and the bezel connects the night vision infrared camerato the front housing.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to theaccompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein likereference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of the particular arrangement shown, sincethe invention is capable of other embodiments. Exemplary embodiments areillustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended thatthe embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be consideredillustrative rather than limiting. Also, the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of description and not of limitation.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the rotating/tilting platform and mountingsystem of the present application.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the yoke assembly of the platform of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the partially assembled yokeassembly of a second embodiment of the rotating/tilting platform andmounting system of the present application.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the yoke assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the yoke of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 7 is a front view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the worm gear tilt assembly of FIGS. 2 and3.

FIG. 9 is an assembled view of the worm gear assembly FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the lamp housing assembly of FIGS. 1 and4 featuring LED lights.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an alternate lamp housing assemblyfeaturing a halogen lamp.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an alternate lamp housing assemblyfeaturing an HID lamp.

FIG. 13 an exploded view of an alternate housing assembly featuring aninfrared camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning first to FIG. 1, an exploded view of the base assembly 100 isshown. A base plate 120 rests on a gasket 110. In use, base plate ispermanently attached to a vehicle by four screws (not shown). The unitcan be hardwired to the vehicle and operated using a joystick (notshown). A radio receiver and transmitter is an alternate method ofcommunicating with the unit. While screws are described, one having anordinary level of skill in the art will understand that alternatefasteners could be used and still be within the scope of the disclosure.Gasket 110 includes flaps 130 which cover the screws (not shown) thatretain the entire assembly to the base plate after assembly. In thedepicted embodiment, gasket 110 comprises rubber. One having an ordinarylevel of skill in the art will understand that other materials havingsimilar properties to rubber could be substituted. The entire assembleddevice is attached or removed easily by use of the four lateral screwsinto the base plate 120. A base 140 is mounted on top of base plate 120.In the depicted embodiment, base 140 comprises carbon fiber filledplastic. In the depicted embodiment, the plastic is acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS). One skilled in the art will understand thatother materials having similar strength and durability to carbon fiberfilled plastic could be substituted and still be within the scope of thedisclosure. A unique wiper bearing 150 is mounted on base 140. In use,wiper bearing 150 wipes the bearing surface clean as it rotates. Becauseof its unique design, the bearing cleans both bearing surfaces andmaintains proper compression between the base 140 and the entire upperassembly beginning with the lower yoke 210. In the depicted embodiment,wiper bearing 150 comprises a very high molecular weight polyethylene.One having an ordinary level of skill in the art will understand thatother materials having similar properties to polyethylene arecontemplated by this disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of a yoke assembly 200. In yokeassembly 200, lower yoke 210 sits on top of wiper bearing 150.Horizontal gear 220 is attached to lower yoke 210 by four screws (notshown). While screws are depicted, one having ordinary skill in the artwill understand that alternate fasteners could be used and still bewithin the scope of the present disclosure. Lower yoke 210 and wiperbearing 150 are compressed and held together by the four screws holdingdown horizontal gear 220. Idler gear 230 is mounted adjacent tohorizontal gear 220. Horizontal motor and gear box 250 is mounted inupper yoke 240 in motor mount 245 (not visible in FIG. 1). Electronics,speed control and radio receiver are located inside the enclosure formedby housing outer shell 260, housing inner shell 280 and fixed pivot (notshown). Upper yoke 240 engages with base 140 to enclose all the parts inbetween. Housing assembly 500 mounts in upper yoke 240.

In use, the entire assembly rotates around horizontal gear 220. Power issupplied from horizontal motor 250 to idler gear 230, which engageshorizontal gear 220, thereby rotating the entire yoke assembly 200,including housing assembly 500. In one embodiment, yoke assembly 200rotates 360° continuously. The continuous horizontal rotation of theyoke assembly 200 rotates the optical means in the housing assembly 500horizontally in a continuous circle, allowing the user to point theoptical means in any given horizontal direction. This first embodimentincludes an optional speed feature, which allows a user to select thespeed of the rotation. A slip ring (not shown) with two wires (notshown) on each side allows for continuous rotation. In this firstembodiment, fixed pivot (not shown) can house radio control or a homeposition electronic component, for example. Opposite this there is a“live” pivot (depicted in FIG. 2) that drives the tilt of housingassembly 500. A home position electronic component would allow a user toselect a position in the horizontal rotation of yoke assembly 200 andprogram the unit to return the yoke assembly 200 to the selectedposition at the push of a button. A second embodiment omits the slipring and inserts a stop in its place. In the second embodiment, yokeassembly 200 rotates in a first direction until it contacts the stop.After contacting the stop, yoke assembly 200 will rotate approximately360° degrees in the opposite direction, or until it contacts the stop.The yoke assembly 200 will then rotate the first direction untilcontacting the stop again. Stated differently, the stop serves as apoint of reversal for yoke assembly 200.

Turning next to FIG. 2, an exploded view of yoke assembly 200 is shown.Yoke assembly 200 provides pan and tilt ability for the housing assembly500. In the depicted embodiment, the tilt pivot is integrated with thebox that holds the electronics. Upper yoke 240 has two arms 370, 380. Afirst arm 370 includes housing inner shell 280 and housing outer shell260. Housing inner shell 280 includes fixed pivot 285.

Vertical gear profile 290 mounts in second arm 380. Vertical gearprofile 290 includes protrusion 420 and shaft 425. A screw 440 isinserted through protrusion 420. A vertical gear clutch disk 300 mountson protrusion 420. Spring 390 is mounted on protrusion 420, immediatelyadjacent to vertical gear clutch disk 300. In use, spring 390 holds theclutch in an engaged condition. Vertical gear base 320 then mounts ontoprotrusion 420, covering vertical gear clutch disk 300 and spring 390.Vertical gear base 320 has a lip 430. A vertical gear 330 is mountedover vertical gear base 320 and rests on lip 430. A washer 400 and nut410 are then placed on screw 440, capturing the intervening parts. Whilea screw, nut and washer are depicted as the method for attaching theforegoing parts to second arm 380, one skilled in the art wouldunderstand that other methods could be used and still be within thescope of the disclosure.

A vertical motor cradle 310 is attached to second arm 380 adjacent tovertical gear profile 290. Vertical motor cradle 310 includes void 460.A vertical tilt motor 450 is attached to vertical motor cradle 310.Vertical tilt motor 450 includes worm 340, which protrudes through void460. In the depicted embodiment, worm 340 is a single thread worm. Whilea single thread worm is depicted, multi-thread worms could be used andstill be within the present disclosure. A worm saddle cap 350 attachesworm 340 to second arm 380 via projection 470. First arm cover 360supports moving aspects of tilt device and encloses the components inyoke assembly 200.

In use, worm 340 engages vertical gear 330. When vertical tilt motor 450causes worm 340 to rotate, vertical gear 330 also rotates, causinghousing assembly 500 to tilt vertically. Vertical gear clutch disk 300allows manual movement of housing assembly 500 up and down without harm.The depicted embodiment allows the optical means of housing assembly 500to rotate vertically in an approximately 135 degree arc from 45degrees+down from horizontal to 0 degrees (straight up) and any positionin between. The combination of the continuous horizontal rotation andthe large arc of vertical rotation allows a user to direct eitheroptical means to just about any direction around the vehicle or otherdevice the light is mounted on to see a desired object. The only areasthe optical means could not be pointed towards are highly likely to bethe body of the vehicle the optical system is mounted on. Thiseliminates potential “blind spots” of some of the prior art deviceswhere a user could not point the optical means in a chosen line of sightdirection without turning the vehicle.

Turning next to FIG. 3, an alternate yoke assembly 205 is shown. In thisembodiment, base assembly 100 remains the same as that disclosed inFIG. 1. Base plate 120 rests on a gasket 110. Gasket 110 includes flaps130 which cover the screws used to attach the base to the base. A base140 is mounted on top of base plate 120. A wiper bearing 150 is mountedon base 140. In use, wiper bearing 150 wipes the bearing surface cleanas it rotates. Because of its unique design, the bearing cleans bothbearing surfaces and maintains proper compression between the base 140and the entire upper assembly beginning with the lower yoke 210.

In use, base plate 120 is permanently attached to a vehicle by fourscrews (not shown). While screws are described, one having an ordinarylevel of skill in the art will understand that alternate fasteners couldbe used and still be within the scope of the disclosure. The entireassembled device is attached or removed easily by use of the fourlateral screws into the base plate 120. The unit is then hardwired tothe vehicle and operated using a joystick (not shown). Alternatively, aradio receiver and transmitter can be used to communicate with the unit.In the depicted embodiment, gasket 110 comprises rubber. One having anordinary level of skill in the art will understand that other materialshaving similar properties to rubber could be substituted. In thedepicted embodiment, base 140 comprises carbon fiber filled plastic. Inthe depicted embodiment, the plastic is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS). One skilled in the art will understand that other materialshaving similar strength and durability to carbon fiber filled plasticcould be substituted and still be within the scope of the disclosure. Inthe depicted embodiment, wiper bearing 150 comprises a very highmolecular weight polyethylene. One having an ordinary level of skill inthe art will understand that other materials having similar propertiesto polyethylene are contemplated by this disclosure.

Yoke assembly 205 comprises a lower yoke 210, which sits on top of wiperbearing 150. Horizontal gear 220 is attached to lower yoke 210 by fourscrews (not shown). While screws are depicted, one having ordinary skillin the art will understand that alternate fasteners could be used withinthe scope of the present disclosure. Lower yoke 210 and wiper bearing150 are compressed and held together by the four screws holding downhorizontal gear 220. Belt 235 is mounted over horizontal gear 220. Abelt tensioner 255 is mounted on lower yoke 210 adjacent to horizontalgear 220 and belt 235. A horizontal motor 455 with an integral sprocket465 is mounted in upper yoke 240 in contact with housing inner shell 280and housing outer shell 260. Electronics, speed control and radioreceiver are located inside the enclosure formed by housing outer shell260, housing inner shell 280 and fixed pivot 285. Second arm cover 365encloses housing outer shell 260, housing inner shell 280 and fixedpivot 285 in yoke assembly 200. Upper yoke 240 engages with base 140 toenclose all the parts in between. Housing assembly 500 mounts in upperyoke 240.

In use, the entire assembly rotates around horizontal gear 220. Power issupplied from horizontal motor 455 to belt 235 through sprocket 465.Belt 235 engages horizontal gear 220, thereby rotating the entire yokeassembly 205, including housing assembly 500. Belt tensioner 255maintains proper tension on belt 235 as it transfers power fromhorizontal motor 455 to horizontal gear 220 and prevents belt slippage.

In the depicted embodiment, horizontal motor 455 is either a 12v DC or24v DC motor and sprocket 465 is a 16 groove sprocket. In the depictedembodiment, belt 235 is a 3 millimeter pitch, 0.24 inch wide HTD belt.In the depicted embodiment, horizontal gear 220 is a 120 groove gear.One having an ordinary level of skill will understand that othercomponents having similar properties to those specifically describedcould be used and still be within the scope of the present disclosure.In use, the grooves on belt 235 interact with the grooves on horizontalgear 220. This interaction provides a more uniform distribution of shearstresses within the teeth and a transition of tooth loads to the tensilemembers in the belt. The addition of belt tensioner 255 ensures thatbelt 235 is correctly tensioned, which prevents slippage and allows belt235 to run at constant speed. Optionally, a clutch device may be addedon the end of horizontal motor 455.

In the depicted embodiment, yoke assembly 205 can rotate 360°continuously. The depicted embodiment includes an optional speedfeature, which allows a user to select the speed of the rotation. A setscrew (not shown) in base 140 holds a slip ring (not shown) with twowires (not shown) on each side. In the depicted embodiment, horizontalmotor 455 has a fixed pivot 285. Fixed pivot 285 can house radio controlor a home position electronic component, for example. A home positionelectronic component would allow a user to select a position in thehorizontal rotation of yoke assembly 200 and program the unit to returnthe yoke assembly 200 to the selected position at the push of a button.Fixed pivot 285 is part of a water tight enclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a partially assembled yoke assembly 205 according to thepresent disclosure. This perspective clearly shows the interactionbetween sprocket 465 of horizontal motor 455 and belt 235. The locationof belt tensioner 255 on lower yoke 210 is shown, as well as itsrelation to belt 235. The attachment of vertical tilt motor 450 to loweryoke 210. The assembled vertical gear profile 290, vertical gear 330 andvertical gear base 320 interact with worm 340, which is mounted invertical tilt motor 450 through vertical motor cradle 310. One skilledin the art will understand that the depicted arrangement of thecomponents is not the only possible arrangement.

FIG. 4 also depicts the portion of yoke assembly 205 which provides panand tilt for the housing assembly 500. In the depicted embodiment, thetilt pivot is integrated with the box that holds the electronics. Upperyoke 240 has two arms 370, 380. A first arm 370 includes housing innershell 280 and housing outer shell 260. Housing inner shell 280 includesfixed pivot 285.

Vertical gear profile 290 mounts in second arm 380. Vertical gearprofile 290 includes protrusion 420 and shaft 425. A screw 440 isinserted through protrusion 420.

A vertical gear clutch disk 300 mounts on protrusion 420. Spring 390 ismounted on protrusion 420, immediately adjacent to vertical gear clutchdisk 300. In use, spring 390 holds the clutch in an engaged condition.Vertical gear base 320 then mounts onto protrusion 420, coveringvertical gear clutch disk 300 and spring 390. Vertical gear base 320 hasa lip 430. A vertical gear 330 is mounted over vertical gear base 320and rests on lip 430. A washer 400 and nut 410 are then placed on screw440, capturing the intervening parts. While a screw, nut and washer aredepicted as the method for attaching the foregoing parts to second arm380, one skilled in the art would understand that other methods could beused and still be within the scope of the disclosure.

A vertical motor cradle 310 is attached to second arm 380 adjacent tovertical gear profile 290. Vertical motor cradle 310 includes void (notvisible). A vertical tilt motor 450 is attached to vertical motor cradle310. Vertical tilt motor 450 includes worm 340, which protrudes throughvoid 460. In the depicted embodiment, worm 340 is a single thread worm.While a single thread worm is depicted, multi-thread worms could be usedand still be within the present disclosure. A worm saddle cap 350attaches worm 340 to second arm 380 via projection 470. First arm cover360 supports moving aspects of tilt device and encloses the componentsin yoke assembly 200.

In use, worm 340 engages vertical gear 330. When vertical tilt motor 450causes worm 340 to rotate, vertical gear 330 also rotates, causinghousing assembly 500 to tilt vertically. Vertical gear clutch disk 300allows manual movement of housing assembly 500 up and down without harm.The depicted embodiment allows the optical means of housing assembly 500to tilt from 45 degrees+down to 0 degrees (straight up) and any positionin between.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of yoke assembly 205. This view shows thearrangement of horizontal gear 220, belt 235, socket 465 and belttensioner 255. Optionally, a horizontal gear clutch (not shown) may beprovided between horizontal gear 220 and base 140. Horizontal gearclutch comprises a series of spur teeth and springs laterally placedaround the central axis. As previously noted, the depicted arrangementis one of multiple possible arrangements, and the present disclosure isnot limited to the depicted embodiment.

FIGS. 6-9 provide additional views which clarify the interaction of thecomponents.

Turning next to FIG. 10, an exploded view of a first embodiment 800 ofhousing assembly 500 is shown. First embodiment 800 is comprised of arear housing 810 and a front housing 840. In the depicted embodiment,rear housing 810 and a front housing 840 comprise aluminum with either apowder coat or painted finish. One having an ordinary level of skill inthe art will understand that other materials having similar propertiesto aluminum could be used. A rear housing 810 includes a first notch815, which is sized to accept a complimentary-shaped bearing 820. Anopposing bearing 825 mounts in a second notch 830 in front housing 840.Another set of bearings 820 is mounted on the opposite side of rearhousing 810 and front housing 840. In the depicted embodiment, bearing825 has a flat portion 835 and bearing 820 does not have a flat portion.When rear housing 810 and front housing 840 are attached, bearing 825interacts with fixed pivot 285 and vertical gear profile 290 in yokeassembly 200 to allow housing assembly 800 to tilt vertically. In use,the flat portion 835 of bearing 825 allows the tilt force to betransferred to the assembly.

Front housing 840 encloses a heat sink 845 comprising fins 855. Thedesign of fins 855 is based on specific heat dissipation requirements ofthe LED array under specified conditions. There is also accommodationfor a fan to force the natural convection when the ambient temperatureis extreme. In the depicted embodiment, heat sink 845 is comprised ofaluminum. One having an ordinary level of skill in the art willunderstand that other materials having similar properties to aluminumcould be used.

A set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 850 is mounted on top of heat sink845. In the depicted embodiment, 10 LEDs are shown. A person having anordinary level of skill in the art will understand that the number ofLEDs is variable. In the depicted embodiment, LEDs 850 are mounted inmetal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) 855. While MCPCB is depicted,one having an ordinary level of skill in the art will understand thatother materials with similar properties could be substituted. In thedepicted embodiment, the LEDs are Luxeon star LEDs. A person havingordinary skill in the art will understand that other brands and types ofLEDs could be substituted for Luxeon LEDs.

A lens 860 is mounted over LEDs 850. In the depicted embodiment, lens860 is a multiple plano convex type optic used as a super projector thatcollects then combines the output of the multiple LEDs into a singlespotlight beam. Lens 860 includes tabs 865, which interact with fronthousing 840 to hold lens 860 in place. In the depicted embodiment, lens860 is made of acrylic, and is molded as a single piece. LEDs 580 arejoined to front housing 840 with a silicone pad. Silicone providesexcellent heat transfer to assist in the convection cooling of LEDs 850.Those having an ordinary level of skill in the art will understand thatother materials having similar properties to silicone could be used, andthat multiple lenses could be manufactured and later attached to oneanother or to the MCPCB.

An outer protective lens cover 870 mounts over lens 860. In the depictedembodiment, lens cover 870 is comprised of polycarbonate. One having anordinary level of skill in the art will understand that materials havingsimilar properties to polycarbonate, such as acrylic, could be used. Abezel gasket 875 mounts over lens cover 870. A bezel 880 mounts overbezel gasket 875. Bezel 880 attaches to front housing 840 by insertingscrews (not shown) through voids 890 in bezel 880, voids 843 in fronthousing 840, and finally voids 813 in rear housing 810, therebyenclosing all intervening parts. While the depicted embodiment usesscrews to attach bezel 880 to front housing 840 rear housing 810, othermeans of attachment known to those having an ordinary level of skill inthe art could be used. In the depicted embodiment, bezel 880 comprises aplastic infrared material. One having an ordinary level of skill in theart will understand that similar materials could be substituted.

When first embodiment 800 is assembled, openings 885 in the bottom 840 aof front housing 840 allow air to enter first embodiment 800. Air entersopenings 885, travels under the bottom 840 a of front housing 840,travels behind rear housing 810, over fins 855 of heat sink 845, flowsover the top 840 b of front housing 840, and exits through openings 895in the top 840 b of front housing 840, allowing for convection and aircooling.

Turning next to FIG. 11, a second embodiment 900 of housing assembly 500is shown. In this embodiment, rear housing 810, bearings 820 and 825,front housing 840 and bezel 880 remain the same as those described inrelation to first embodiment 800. However, second embodiment 900 uses ahalogen lamp 920 as its light source. A rear gasket 910 supports halogenlamp in front housing 840.

Turning next to FIG. 12, a third embodiment 1000 of housing assembly 500is shown. In this embodiment, rear housing 810, bearings 820 and 825,front housing 840 and bezel 880 remain the same as those described inrelation to first embodiment 800. In contrast to first embodiment 800,third embodiment 1000 uses a high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp 1010 asits light source. A ballast 1020 provides power to HID lamp 1010. Abezel gasket 1030 is mounted between HID lamp 1010 and bezel 880.

Turning next to FIG. 13, a fourth embodiment 1100 of housing assembly500 is shown. In this embodiment, rear housing 810, bearings 820 and825, front housing 840 and bezel 880 remain the same as those describedin relation to first embodiment 800. Fourth embodiment 1100 includes anight vision infrared camera 1110. A bracket 1120 provides support tocamera 1110. A first gasket 1130 is mounted between camera 1110 andinfrared camera glass 1140. A second gasket 1150 is mounted betweeninfrared camera glass 1140 and bezel 880.

Maintaining the same rear housing 810, bearings 820 and 825, fronthousing 840 and bezel 880 for each housing assembly allows a number ofdifferent optical means, such as LED lights, halogen lamps, HID lampsand infrared cameras, to be used with the same base assembly 100 andyoke assembly 200. The system is advantageous because it minimizes costsin parts and tooling needed for four separate systems. Moreover, amanufacturer or other seller can easily and rapidly assemble a chosenoptical device into the housing based upon consumer demand. Instead ofstocking four complete systems, a manufacturer or other seller need onlystock one base assembly, one yoke assembly, one housing, and the desiredoptical devices. When an order is placed, the manufacturer need onlymount the desired optical device into the housing, mount the housing inthe yoke assembly and send the rotatable housing and mounting platformto the customer.

The entire assembly is water tight, regardless of the selected housingassembly 500. The depicted unit, once assembled, has an IngressProtection rating, or IP code, of IP 65 or better, meaning that the unitis totally protected against dust and protected against low pressurewater jets from any direction; limited water ingress is permitted. Waterproof connectors protect against any water that does enter the unit. Thedepicted unit can be produced to be as a 24v DC unit or as a 12v DCunit. The depicted unit is MIL-STD-461F compliant.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations therefore. It is thereforeintended that the following appended claims hereinafter introduced areinterpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additionsand sub-combinations are within their true spirit and scope. Eachapparatus embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.

The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the useof such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of thefeatures shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognizedthat various modifications are possible within the scope of theinvention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although thepresent invention has been specifically disclosed by preferredembodiments and optional features, modification and variation of theconcepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in theart, and that such modifications and variations are considered to bewithin the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.Whenever a range is given in the specification, all intermediate rangesand subranges, as well as all individual values included in the rangesgiven are intended to be included in the disclosure. When a Markushgroup or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of thegroup and all combinations and subcombinations possible of the group areintended to be individually included in the disclosure.

In general the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognizedmeaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journalreferences and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The abovedefinitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context ofthe invention.

All patents and publications mentioned in the specification areindicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to whichthe invention pertains. All references cited herein are herebyincorporated by reference to the extent that there is no inconsistencywith the disclosure of this specification. Some references providedherein are incorporated by reference herein to provide detailsconcerning additional starting materials, additional methods ofsynthesis, additional methods of analysis and additional uses of theinvention.

1. An optical device assembly for mounting to a surface of a vehicle,the optical device assembly having an optical device housing, theoptical device housing comprising: a front housing; a rear housing; abezel; and an optical device, the optical device selectable from a groupof optical devices comprising light-emitting diodes, halogen lamps,high-intensity discharge lamps, cameras, infrared devices, and heatsensitive devices; wherein each member of the group of optical devicesis configured to compatibly mount in and dismount from the opticaldevice housing; and wherein the front housing, the rear housing, and thebezel are configured to remain constant when the optical deviceinterchangeably mounted in the optical housing device is exchanged foranother member of the group of optical devices.
 2. The optical devicehousing of claim 1, further comprising at least one bearing.
 3. Theoptical device housing of claim 2, wherein the front housing, the rearhousing, the bezel, and the at least one bearing are configured toremain constant when the optical device interchangeably mounted in theoptical housing device is exchanged for another member of the group ofoptical devices.
 4. The optical device housing of claim 1, furthercomprising a fan.
 5. The optical device housing of claim 1, wherein theoptical device comprises: a heat sink; a printed circuit board mountedto the heat sink; at least one light-emitting diode mounted to theprinted circuit board; and a lens mounted over the printed circuitboard; wherein the bezel secures the lens and the heat sink to the fronthousing.
 6. The optical device housing of claim 1, wherein the opticaldevice comprises: a halogen lamp; and a halogen lamp gasket; wherein thebezel secures the halogen lamp and the halogen lamp gasket to the fronthousing.
 7. The optical device housing of claim 1, wherein the opticaldevice comprises: a high-intensity discharge lamp; and a ballastpowering the high-intensity discharge lamp; wherein the bezel securesthe high-intensity discharge lamp to the front housing.
 8. The opticaldevice housing of claim 1, wherein the optical device comprises: acamera; and a bracket supporting the camera; wherein the bezel securesthe camera to the front housing.
 9. The optical device housing of claim8, wherein the camera is a night vision infrared camera.
 10. A rotatablemount for mounting the optical device housing of claim 1, the rotatablemount comprising: a base portion configured to attach to a vehiclesurface; an upper portion having a first arm and a second arm; areversible vertical drive in the first arm; and a reversible horizontaldrive in the second arm, the reversible horizontal drive configured tohorizontally rotate the upper portion through an arc of approximately360 degrees with respect to the base portion; wherein the optical devicehousing is pivotally connected to the first and second arms of therotatable mount; and wherein the reversible vertical drive is configuredto vertically tilt the optical device housing through an arc ofapproximately 135 degrees with respect to the rotatable mount.
 11. Anoptical device assembly for mounting on a vehicle comprising: arotatable mount comprising a base portion configured to attach to avehicle surface; an upper portion having a first arm and a second arm; areversible vertical drive in the first arm; and a reversible horizontaldrive in the second arm; wherein the reversible horizontal drive isconfigured to horizontally rotate the upper portion through an arc ofapproximately 360 degrees with respect to the base portion via ahorizontal gear; and an optical device housing comprising a firsthousing; a second housing; a bezel; and an optical device selectablefrom a group of optical devices, each member of the group of opticaldevices able to interchangeably mount in and dismount from the opticaldevice housing; wherein the optical device housing is pivotallyconnected to the first and second arms of the rotatable mount; andwherein the reversible vertical drive is configured to vertically rotatethe optical device housing through an arc of approximately 135 degreeswith respect to the first and second arms.
 12. The optical deviceassembly of claim 11, wherein the group of optical devices compriseslight-emitting diodes, halogen lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps,cameras, infrared devices and heat sensitive devices.
 13. The opticaldevice assembly of claim 11, wherein the first housing, the secondhousing, and the bezel are configured to remain constant when theoptical device interchangeably mounted in the optical housing device isexchanged for another member of the group of optical devices.
 14. Theoptical device assembly of claim 11, wherein the reversible verticaldrive comprises: a vertical motor; a vertical gear; and a worm; whereinthe vertical motor is connected to the worm and the worm interacts withthe vertical gear.
 15. The optical device assembly of claim 11, whereinthe reversible horizontal drive comprises: a horizontal motor having apinion; and an idler gear in contact with the pinion, the idler gearconfigured to turn the horizontal gear; wherein turning of thehorizontal gear causes the upper portion to rotate horizontally.
 16. Theoptical device assembly of claim 11, wherein the reversible horizontaldrive comprises: a horizontal motor with a groove sprocket; and a belton the horizontal gear; wherein the groove sprocket interacts with thebelt to turn the horizontal gear causing the upper portion to rotatehorizontally.
 17. The optical device assembly of claim 11, furthercomprising a vertical gear clutch disk to allow the optical devicehousing to be manually adjusted.
 18. The optical device assembly ofclaim 11, further comprising a wiper bearing mounted between the baseportion and the upper portion.